"She will tell Sir John, will she? Then I must be before her, and hasten

events. It will be as well to have all sure before there can be any

danger. My poor Dean, you are no match for me, but you may prove

annoying, nevertheless."

These thoughts passed through Miss Muir's mind as she went down the

hall, pausing an instant at the library door, for the murmur of voices

was heard. She caught no word, and had only time for an instant's

pause as Dean's heavy step followed her. Turning, Jean drew a chair

before the door, and, beckoning to the woman, she said, smiling still,

"Sit here and play watchdog. I am going to Miss Bella, so you can nod

if you will."

"Thank you, miss. I will wait for my young lady. She may need me when

this hard time is over." And Dean seated herself with a resolute face.

Jean laughed and went on; but her eyes gleamed with sudden malice, and

she glanced over her shoulder with an expression which boded ill for the

faithful old servant.

"I've got a letter from Ned, and here is a tiny note for you," cried

Bella as Jean entered the boudoir. "Mine is a very odd, hasty letter,

with no news in it, but his meeting with Sydney. I hope yours is better,

or it won't be very satisfactory."

As Sydney's name passed Bella's lips, all the color died out of Miss

Muir's face, and the note shook with the tremor of her hand. Her very

lips were white, but she said calmly, "Thank you. As you are busy,

I'll go and read my letter on the lawn." And before Bella could speak,

she was gone.

Hurrying to a quiet nook, Jean tore open the note and read the few

blotted lines it contained.

I have seen Sydney; he has told me all; and, hard as I found it to

believe, it was impossible to doubt, for he has discovered proofs which

cannot be denied. I make no reproaches, shall demand no confession or

atonement, for I cannot forget that I once loved you. I give you three

days to find another home, before I return to tell the family who you

are. Go at once, I beseech you, and spare me the pain of seeing your

disgrace.

Slowly, steadily she read it twice over, then sat motionless, knitting

her brows in deep thought. Presently she drew a long breath, tore up the

note, and rising, went slowly toward the Hall, saying to herself, "Three

days, only three days! Can it be accomplished in so short a time? It

shall be, if wit and will can do it, for it is my last chance. If this

fails, I'll not go back to my old life, but end all at once."




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